Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:956. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education her plans for Irish language exemptions for Ukrainian students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21184/22]
View answerTuesday, 26 April 2022
Questions (956)
Written answers
I can advise the Deputy that, as set out in Section 2.2. of Circulars 0052/2019 (primary) and 0053/2019 (post primary), students from abroad can apply to their school for an exemption from the study of Irish if they meet the criteria as set out in the following exceptional circumstance i.e.: “pupils whose education up to 12 years of age (or up to and including the final year of their primary education) was received outside the State and where they did not have opportunity to engage in the study of Irish”.
It is anticipated that all Ukrainian students enrolling in recognised English-medium post-primary schools will meet these criteria.
As in all other cases where a pupil does not meet the criteria for the granting of an exemption from the study of Irish, schools should provide pupils with a differentiated approach to language learning as provided for in the Primary Language Curriculum in an inclusive school environment. As is the case with all pupils who have significant learning difficulties that are persistent, pupils moving from Ukraine may also be granted an exemption from the study of Irish as outlined in subsection 2.2.c of the Circulars.
All pupils should be supported to learn the language at a level appropriate to their needs and ability. Schools, as set out in the circulars, are advised to inform parents/guardians and students of the option not to exercise the exemption granted without any loss of the right to exercise it at a future time.
In accordance with Section 8 of Circular 0052/2019 and Section 7 of Circular 0053/2019, the Department is currently undertaking an initial review of the operation of these circulars.